Spexarder Bauernhaus becomes a vibrant event venue focused on reactivation

Second dialogue event "Teuto in Dialogue – Back on Track" meets with great public interest

More than 60 interested citizens gathered on Tuesday evening, 13 May at the Spexarder Bauernhaus. At the invitation of the local heritage association, the management of RDC and the Teutoburger Wald-Eisenbahn (TWE) continued their dialogue series eTeuto in Dialogue eBack on Trackc.

eWe are pleased to present our work in this historic building and to report on the current status of the plans for the reactivation of the Teutoburger Wald-Eisenbahn,c said RDC managing director Ute Oldenburg. Since the kick-off event in March in Verl, a lot has happened - accordingly, the questions from the audience were diverse. From projected passenger numbers to level crossing closures to possible bicycle path expansions, the concerns were wide-ranging.

Passenger forecast: Up to 3,300 passengers daily

How is the estimate of passenger numbers determined, was the first question. eThe projected passenger number of up to 3,300 people per day is based on traffic scientific studies of simulations for the Standardized Assessment,c explained Henrik Wilkening, managing director of the Teutoburger Wald-Eisenbahn. This refers to the expected total usage of the route - regardless of starting and destination stops. eThe vast majority of passengers will only use partial routes, not the entire connection from Harsewinkel to Verl or vice versa.c

Verl and Harsewinkel are among the few medium-sized towns without rail connections

While all 79 German major cities with over 100,000 inhabitants are connected to rail passenger transport, Verl and Harsewinkel, with a combined population of over 43,000, belong to the only 8.7 percent of medium-sized towns without a railway or tram connection. eEven if only eight percent of the population switch to rail in the future, that is a realistic and significant progress,c said Wilkening.

Modern vehicles reduce noise - sustainability is also considered in freight transport

Noise protection was also a central topic. The new battery-powered trains from the manufacturer CAF meet the latest technical standards. eThey have nothing in common with the loud trains of previous decades,c emphasized Wilkening. And what about freight transport? eWe are in close contact with local companies. Every transport on the rail relieves the road and improves the CO2 balance,c explained Marcus Ebert, managing director of TWE. eOur infrastructure only becomes economical when it is actively used - whether for passenger or freight transport.c

Train or bicycle? - Combination is the key

The question of whether a well-developed bicycle path would suffice sparked intense discussions. eWe rely on intelligent linking of transport modes - not on an either-or,c said the management. Planned are, among other things, bicycle parking facilities, transport options on the train, and optimized connections to public transport.

Level crossings: Safety and efficiency in focus

Concerns about possible traffic jams at level crossings were taken seriously by Wilkening, but he made it clear: eWhether red light or closed barrier - both require patience. Our goal is to design all facilities safely and at the same time as efficiently as possible, so that waiting times remain minimal.c

After about two hours, the dialogue event ended with a positive conclusion. eWe take the questions and concerns very seriously. These discussions give us the opportunity to inform early and dispel uncertainties. Thank you to all participants - we look forward to the next dialogue,c emphasized the management at the end.

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